Now THIS is storytelling. Vocal Analysis feat. a LIVE performance of "Old Man" by Neil Young

[@Cadinho93]

"Doesn't mean that much to me, to mean that much to you." is a GREAT line, basically he's saying that he's content enough with himself that he doesn't need you to be envious of him. Also, this is the best version of this song in my opinion. Nothing in the way, but his guitar and his pure voice.

[@benh59]

One of my favorite lines ever.

[@martinrenzhofer8241]

Totally agree, but my brain hears that peddle steel on the chorus.

[@stpnwlf9]

Sheer brilliance. That line still knocks me out every time I hear it.

[@hustler3of4culture3]

Or to need his approval

[@ChrisGonzales-t4i]

You made me read that line over and over, it's awesome 😊

[@stpnwlf9]

No matter what people think if Neil's voice, one of the great qualities he has is that you understand every word. His phrasing and enunciation are remarkably clear. And given the sheer brilliance of his writing, that makes him one of the finest singer-songwriters of his era.

[@jamosensei]

If there was a way I could wear out a digital album, then I would have burned through at least 100 copies of decade… it literally is a soundtrack of my youth

[@aicarnie]

This is from the BBC in the UK. Back in the 70s, the BBC sound engineers were the best in the world, so the sound quality here is excellent. Really brings out just how good Neil is. This is hands down the best recording of Old Man. Pure gold. From the same period, there is a James Taylor recording (again from the BBC) of “You’ve Got A Friend” delivered as a pure acoustic performance. This is also the best recording of that song. Both are examples of just how great both men are as songwriters. It was just a guitar and natural talent.

[@wildwillie5408]

Massey Hall from the neil young archives is a fantastic solo accoustic show from this same time period. neil talking between songs gives some background on a few songs. he mentions old man being about the foreman on his ranch

[@allyourmoney]

Two of my favorite albums were both BBC sessions from Led Zeppelin & Jimi Hendrix. At times they did some prerecorded backing vocals & played the rest live to capture more of the album sound. It was a nice blend of studio layers & live spontaneity.

[@scottzappa9314]

I MUST check out that JT song as I love both him and Neil. Both guys are epic talents.

[@brucej5494]

Totally agree with everything, especially what great songwriters both are, but...Carole King wrote "You've Got A Friend". The BBC sessions back then are proving to be a goldmine for performances like this. Old Grey Whistle Test!

[@ManchurianCounterweight]

yes, hats off to those engineers, just some unsung engineer doing his job gave time immemorial the best recordings of many important cultural artifacts of the 20th century.

[@the-comments-poet]

There was a time when songs did not need huge production and artifacts. When all a song needed was a singer, a stool, a guitar …and a story.

[@nrgltwrkr2225]

There are still a lot of great performers like this. Explore your local folk music scene. I have recently discovered so many hidden gems!!

[@Freshwater121]

Plenty still do this

[@Frank.E.Valley]

Now songs are mostly stool!

[@nrgltwrkr2225]

@@Freshwater121 I totally agree! People are just looking in the wrong places. Get outside and go to a folk or bluegrass music festival in your area. Amazing artists are putting out fantastic songs and performances!

[@michaeldowson6988]

That was the 60s Coffee House scene he knew, along with Joni Mitchell; Intimate and Interactive.

[@mitchellgildea254]

Neil Young is one of the all time great singer songwriter performers. His songs are a musical journey

[@13coyote13]

One of Canada's greatest exports, still going strong after all these years.

[@chuckconner3694]

This is a masterclass in musicianship.

[@kenjude1]

That metronomic picking hand makes me jealous every time I see this.

[@pizzamadesimple]

That's a fact.

[@JayRiemenschneider]

@@kenjude1no kidding. It’s important to remember it when you’re TRYING to play somewhat like him. When I play this tho it’s really hard to get those hammer ons and maintain those squinky high strings decently. Amazing

[@LupusYonderboy13]

Neil Young is the epitome of the idea that you don't need a traditionally "good" voice to be an amazing vocalist. His voice is dripping with emotion, and I'll never tire of listening to it. I just discovered your channel and am loving your take on these classic tracks. If you haven't already, you should check out Suite Judy Blue Eyes by CSNY.

[@mojorider8455]

Agree! Neil is not technically a "good" guitar player but it's his nuances and the emotions he conveys in his solos that grab you! Same can be said for his vocal timbre and abilities. His voice conveys something more than just technical skill and I'll take that over any cold, technical proficiency

[@mrnobody3161]

I think Neil's guitar strumming is perfectly adjusted with technical nuances that compliment the vocal melody in this song. ✌️🫴🍁

[@charlesmontgomery7002]

As an old man of 72 and life long Neil Young fan that first heard this as a young man it was refreshing to hear if through a young person of today's perspective.

[@MTH58]

Thanks Bethany. Neil’s whole “ Harvest “ album was part of the soundtrack of my high school years. His lyrics are poignant and his voice instantly recognizable. Here we are some 52 years later and I can still sing along to every song on that album. My daughter discovered his music on her own during her university days and invited me to one of his shows in Vancouver around 2010 my first time seeing him live…So good.

[@outspoken117]

I agree. I live in San Francisco and have had the chance to see him twice. Amazing. Also, I am probably right in-between your daughters age and yours, and his music seems timeless. Especially Harvest.

[@twoweary]

2:44 I love seeing how absorbed you were with this raw talent. A man, his voice, and his guitar. Gets me every time also. And it’s not just the vocals, it’s the guitar work after each phrase… incredible.

[@stewartcook6684]

“Needle and the Damage Done” from the same session is an absolute must.

[@derrickconnolly9164]

Shocking Pink. Jellyroll Man. In fact that whole album is a completely new side of Neil Young. Absolutely amazing. Very very B Bopp. You can't not like it

[@clay-tw5gc]

Definitely an absolute must.

[@TangoNevada]

Do you have a link?

[@clay-tw5gc]

@@TangoNevada I don't know how to get a link on this phone. I tried but couldn't figure it out. Just search for it. The live version is best.

[@derrickconnolly9164]

@@TangoNevada just google shocking Pink Neil Young. You won't be disappointed. Turn up the volume and get ready to dance. And if you have children even better. My kids loved jellyroll Man

[@dathorndike4908]

As relaxed as Neil appears, there is an intensity to this performance that is so captivating.

[@barry7920]

I was just thinking that on some of the high notes in the chorus, he is straining to reach them, but this has the effect of conveying an emotional intensity to those passages.

[@jameshannagan4256]

There's an honesty to his voice that is very powerful.

[@BillO964]

No glossy production, just talent and music from the heart.

[@markvanderstelt8999]

thanks

[@cmoplay1]

I saw Neil while I was in college in 1982. When he sang Old Man, he brought me to tears. Authencity embraces the audience and spans the decades.

[@TurtleDave]

This whole session is possibly one of the best live acoustic performances ever recorded.

[@martyshmanka]

Amazed at the sound quality… 1971!

[@davidoswell3079]

The jrecently released sound board recording od "Happy That Ya'll came Down " is great. the version of Sugar Mountain is a lot of fun.

[@dagmar.6954]

I love this intimate performance with just Neil & his guitar (harmonica). He was only 27 when he recorded this song as a young man. Now he is an older man at 78 years old. Neil is a very talented musician, singer & songwriter. He was with the groups Buffalo Springfield & Crosby, Stills & Nash in the later 60's. Also had his own group with Crazy Horse for a few years. Neil went solo & has had so many great songs over the years. The albums "After The Gold Rush" & "Harvest" from the 70's are considered 2 of his best.

[@FeelItRising]

His feel on an acoustic guitar is unbelievable. Plug him in and he will get real dirty. tremendous talent.

[@marionfischer5927]

It's like a poem......love it! This was the music when I was a little girl..... Love how you comment on that song, so respectfull, lots of hints to things I didn' t discover before. Thanks!❤

[@bodichair]

I'm glad you reviewed this song. As a man who grew up in this genre, It's difficult to express what comes up for me. The smell of patchouli oil , a soft breeze on a summer day. The light smell.of a joint being passed around. Every new day an experience to behold full of adventure ✌

[@FXMAN66]

Great description!

[@art.is.life.eternal]

The complexity of the chords and combination -picking he maintains throughout, while singing so soulfully, is just incomparable. Many singers will back off the underlying guitar playing - but he never has. One of our national treasures.

[@GaryBruyere-f9b]

A Canadian legend! I'm in love with the Vocalyst.

[@mikem9892]

Back off bro she's mine ! 😂

[@paulrodsted3905]

This is one of THE best live performances ever.... So so good

[@christopher-miles]

agreed. one-hundo.

[@mrcody333cam]

This is from the “Golden era” of singers, songwriters and storytellers. We may never pass this way again ✌️☮️

[@aj2326]

Brian Fallon of The Gaslight Anthem, Horrible Crowes and his solo work. You really need to check him out

[@EdLappa]

Now he’s screwing Daryl Hannah

[@ExternalInputs]

Golden era? There are more singer songwriters now than ever before, they just won't arrive on your radio for easy digestion.

[@mrcody333cam]

@@ExternalInputs the true golden era of songwriting was the time of Gershwin, Ellington and Irving Berlin but after WWII Elvis, Little Richard, Fats Domino and Chuck Berry influenced an entire generation of baby boomers to pick up the guitar and put their poetry to music. Neil Young was no doubt influenced by those as well as Bob Dylan and other folk artists. His generation had the numbers.

[@captaintwitch]

There are some still out there. They’re just a lot harder to find. They certainly won’t be on the radio.

[@rockerforlife194]

You, "The Vocalyst", are my favorite! Such detail and deep thinking goes into your reactions and I love that! Keep up the awesome work/channel/reactions. I never miss one of your videos. Also, Neil Young is a true musical legend and I'm so glad you chose this song. Manny kudos to you. 👍👍😊😊👌👌

[@jamessandsmark226]

My wife is a singer and has sang in choirs for 50 years. She loves his voice and always comments on his fine tenor voice. We were very disappointed that we couldn't see him live in Winnipeg this summer when his tour was canceled because of illness in the band.

[@RobHoughton]

I love how someone like you who is intimately familiar with the 'proper' vocal techniques of classical music can interpret someone like Neil Young within his own context and style. Thanks for your insights. I'm going to work on that song now.

[@devonseamoor]

Thank you ❤ I've always loved Neil Young, for his poise, his awkward friendly shyness, combined with an intelligent mind of his own. A true original, honest to the bone. 👋👩‍🌾

[@taskmaster58]

Bear in mind this is the first time ANYBODY is hearing this song this concert was before the album Harvest was released so nobody has had a chance to hear it yet. He also played Heart Of Gold at this same concert.

[@GreggOliverBass]

"It doesn't mean that much to me to mean that much to you" is such a beautiful line.

[@paulhester2588]

I enjoyed hearing this song from the old man’s view. I hear the words now and they have meaning to me. Neil Young takes your mind on a journey in this song; makes one think about where they are in life and relatable. When we’re young we feel the music; i.e. feelings of joy, sadness, love, anger, inspiration are a few of the feelings that are amplified as we go through life’s incredible moments. My music teacher in college used the term “bathing in the music”. The feeling of being in love for the first time, we want to “bath” in a song that takes that feeling to another, higher level. As a man now at the other end of life, I hear the words written; the music is more of a walk down memory lane of moments we felt so strongly decades ago. Longing for those days that were filled with the hope of a well lived life and the excitement of what’s to come. Thank you again for giving us the tools to appreciate music we may have otherwise overlooked. I hope you’re doing well and wish you much success! 🙂

[@theblackcat5416]

Beautifully said!

[@muddymarine]

I have always liked Neil Young. I was 25 when this song was released. At 77, I’m now that old man listening to it I must confess where have all the years. My memory fails me now as I have been blessed with a long a full life. Not like some of my Marine Brothers in Vietnam wouldn’t. Namaste🙏🏻

[@SetInStoneNow]

Fantastic reaction video! I had the luck to see Neil Young in concert about 30 years ago and it was amazing. Not many people can hold an audience (outdoors) with just a such a basic, simple sound. His voice carried us over the clouds...

[@lesterross1]

My daughters are taking me to see him next month. I an 70 now, and played and sang this song since the album came out. Have seen him 4 times before, but so happy that my girls want to see him as well.

[@1byte4]

One of my favorite songs, don't know why, it just hits me in my feels.

[@dust4magnet]

I lived a block from Neil's teenage home in Winnipeg, Canada, back in 2008. Apparently Bob Dylan made a pilgrimage to the house back then (he was in the city for a concert), and it still thrills me that I could easily have randomly bumped into Bob.

[@BrandonWestfall]

How did I miss this upload. This is one of my favorite performances from any artist ever. Neil is great.

[@Simon42102]

Expression over technical excellence. No auto tune here. One of my favourite artists ever

[@ThelSuperlKing]

A lil' story. When Neil Young was recording "Tears Are Not Enough" David Foster was producer for Canada's answer to USA's "We Are the World". Neil sang his line and David from the mixing desk quipped to Neil "a little flat on the word 'innocence' but other than that its' great". Neil replied "that's my sound man!". David cracked up! There's a video on KZbin just type in "Neil Young - That's my sound man!". LOL

[@northernlight2598]

More like, " don't tell me how to sing man!"

[@bobschenkel7921]

Neil Young is The MAN. Seen Mr. Young live four times, and each show was completely different, in format, in set list and in his backing bands. Although, Crazy Horse was a part of two of the shows. One of the greatest things about Neil is his variety of music, from a solo voice with a Guitar or Piano, to full on Rock and Roll, after all he is known as "The Godfather Of Grunge". "Old Man" is one of his most famous songs, and for good reason. Thank You for reacting to this tune.

[@Michael-mm3fm]

Saw him a few times myself, with Crazy Horse maybe three times, solo, with Steve Cropper and the MGs…no one like him.

[@nocarbonfootprint9120]

Beautiful reaction. You were kind of making crinkly expressions in all the right places. Bravo! Love your channel ❤️

[@jdguitar1040]

Neil Young. Genius. Innovator. Legend. Forever.

[@christopherecatalano]

Nobody has literally haunted the entire musical landscape like him. The greatest singer/songwriter/lyricist/acoustic/electric guitar player combo that ever lived. The songs, the entire 70s album catalogue one masterpiece after the other filled with melodies and words and chords and beautifully twisted guitar solos that could only have come from one of heaven's most haunted cathedral. God heard him sing and probably asked :"How the hell did that guy get in here? Let's keep him...he can be our weirdest, most haunted angel"...And so, he descended upon us to haunt our musical dreaming in the most beautiful way.

[@ronaldinnewmexico1912]

His enunciations and delivery are inimitable. No one else sings like this.

[@brianmoser3947]

Apparently, you received the amplified version too. ... Love, love, love, what you are doing with IT! Please keep up the great work and, THANKS 🙏👍

[@blackwolf6082]

I heard this when it first came out and now at 63 I'm the old man

[@nigel274]

I'm 72....First heard when was up late one night studying for exams as at 19

[@ruthmerriam318]

I'll be 66 next week and this song still brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.

[@thomascampbell5633]

Neil Young has been one of my favorite artists over the last 50 years with "Old Man" being one of my favorite songs. I was totally engrossed in your analysis of and insights into his singing and presentation. You have really deepened and enhanced my appreciation and understanding of his talents and abilities. Thank you so much for making this video!

[@auntietara]

There’s something about Neil Young that is absolutely magical. With just a few chords, he puts me in such a relaxed and happy place. Of course I can’t know your experience, but when he started to play, your face looked exactly the way I feel whenever I hear this song. I’ve never considered him to have a great voice, but he gets more out of a chord than anybody has a right to. It doesn’t matter how I’m feeling before the song starts … Neil Young takes me to a very specific place where everything is right with the world.

[@joshb23]

A true songwriting, guitar playing, performing master. LOVED your reaction/analysis! Thank you!

[@samuellord8576]

The key to this story is that the first verse is Neil, but the second verse is the old man replying. It took me years of confusion before I learned this. Also, he’s one of the greatest guitarists, acoustic *and* electric, *ever.*. Thank you for a beautiful reaction!

[@mja110952]

Love the analysis. Love Neil Young and learned his songs back in the 70's and does not get old. Just a word about you. Some people are beautiful on the outside, some on the inside. The way you carry yourself shows what true beauty is. I hope this doesn't come accross wrong, just wanted you to know that your sweet personality is a joy, thank you.

[@threekidzmom04]

CSNY got me through high school from 70-74! Beautiful!

[@winstonhewett6679]

Another one of those great Canadian song writers/performer! Heart Of Gold from the same concert, is another great song from Neil!!!

[@kevinmclaughlin1092]

One of the few musician/songwriters who can sit alone on stage and totally blow you away by their incredible talent. Voice, guitar, piano, harmonica and connecting with the audience on a personal level.

[@rmp9417]

Good for you, lady, becoming enlightened by these ancient, ollld recordings. The later harmony vocals are as pristine

[@tdirgins]

Incredible song and oh my God that guitar playing....HEAVENLY

[@weimarutube]

One of the greatest solo performances ever.

[@brianmoser3947]

"I love"? The POWER of the tongue is ridiculously real. Keep up the great work.👍🙏

[@sixslinger9951]

Neil Young is underrated when it comes to his guitar playing, especially in his younger days. Just focus on his guitar here, sends chills through me.

[@rolandvaliquette6499]

Rolling Stone rated him in the top 100 best guitarists of all time.

[@melissaslater2575]

One of my favorite guitarists. Love him.

[@lconger]

"Pardon My Heart"

[@allengray5748]

As you are a vocal coach this live is great but the studio is really nice as also the song HEART OF GOLD!! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎

[@thomasmarti5856]

Canada again for the win! He's an amazing /singer/songwriter/musician!

[@johnbrowne2170]

His father (Scott) was a well-known Canadian sports writer.

[@livenhfree]

Go Oilers! (From a Bruins fan.) ;-)

[@johnbrowne2170]

@@livenhfree Love the Oilers fans.

[@markvanderstelt8999]

ya First justin Bieber and now Neil Young 😀😀

[@rmsmith2396]

Amazing how one guy and one acostic guitar can sound so good. Always was my favorite singer songwriter

[@andyhampsten4252]

The whole performance is on KZbin. Guitar, piano, singer, no where to hide, genius at work

[@regis387]

i'm so happy they captured these early performances - they are so special

[@brianmoser3947]

Your God given genius is both beautiful and articulate. Please continue to expose it. Sincerely thank YOU ❤️👍❤️😊

[@renepeterse1884]

He had just recorded (most of) his killer album Harvest, but it wasn’t released yet. People heard these songs for the first time in this performance. This is goosebums all over. Neil Young at his best.

[@stonedoummaynardjame]

I cherish that song a lot. the talent this man has to write songs is crazy. A legend.

[@sierrafoxtrotgolf3638]

Yet another fantastic analysis. Thanks for helping us all appreciatge music on an even deeper level. I just told a friend yesterday that I'd 'listened' to a certain song probably 100 times in my life, but 'heard' it for the first time earlier that day. I credit that to you. Thanks, once again, Bethany.

[@mysteriousplankton]

It's a very dreamy and melancholy song. It's easy to drift off and imagine the images that Neil Young was expressing. His voice is original and captivating.

[@beachball391]

It’s hard isn’t it trying to unpack genius. This is 50 years on.

[@dalemcmillan7231]

Love Neil! Saw him live back in the 70s and 80s here in Canada 🇨🇦

[@johanerasmus730]

I have been listening to your reactions for some time now. Music is one of the great pleasures of my life and I absolutely adore and love the way you interpret the music. I must mention that I am 65 years old and grew up with all the greats. I am an idiot when it comes to music terminology and what causes it to sound the way it does. As a consequence of your reactions I am re-listening to all the music I own with a new ear and what a new and exciting journey for me. It has also broadened my horizon and I am discovering new stuff all the time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart❤❤

[@MartinMcMartin]

His wobbly vibrato is so cool.

[@louiseteaches]

The way you explain the nuances of the voice is so interesting. Neil Young is incredible. Thanks for your videos - you have such a benevolent, calming presence. Sending best wishes from the UK!

[@chrisinkansas8507]

His guitar playing is terrific.

[@harrykadaras9459]

It's entirely his own, and that makes it very special

[@joedella-mattia2234]

Proud to say he spent a number of years in the 60’s in my hometown of Fort William ont, now Thunder Bay. Amazing story teller. I was waiting for your signature… Canada for the win again saying Bethany. Thank you ❤. I would like to see if you would check out Lighthouse from Canada also… described as Chicago of Canada …. Pretty Lady, One fine Morning, Sunny Days. You will be surprised 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@huberthicks9080]

I could listen to Mr. Young all day. And of course, I find your voice quite comforting as well. Thanks for this. A great version of this song.

[@lw7520]

Neil Young, the man, the guitar, the legend. You know when an artist is a legend when he/she can absolutely command and captivate with just simple the voice and the instrument....the man is a super legend story teller.....

[@thejohnson9204]

Another great reaction & analysis, Thankyou. I love how captivated you were at the start... mesmerizing. The vibe of this performance is so good.

[@stevel2504]

Love this, been a fan of Neil young for a long time now, always interesting.

[@kecurroj]

I saw Linda Ronstadt open for N.Y. back in the mid 70s. Great show with David Crosby making an unannounced visit on stage.

[@TrianglesAndCircles]

Great reaction to a great small gathering with Neil Young and a few lucky people. The whole concert is recorded and you wouldn't be disappointed with any song from that stage.❤😊

[@v.2080]

Always have loved this song, but bittersweet for me, as I was 17 years old at the time, and this was a big song during my senior year in high school. I cannot believe so many decades have passed!❤🎉 It still sounds beautiful.

[@matthewdever2118]

I know what you do is all about sound, but I could watch you react with the volume off, and still have a great experience. You're a joy.

[@stonedoummaynardjame]

Totally agree !

[@ChrisLegner-qp1yh]

Very enjoyable analysis of a legendary live performance. Great job!

[@70centurian]

Neils songs/music is lost to the youth but VERY much Needed NOW. Thanks for this Post.

[@3kbecker]

I love watching your reactions to some of the older music that you're hearing for the first time. Much of these songs I grew up with. Love the vocalist.

[@terryevans1976]

His stories and how he sings them are beautifully haunting. Another favorite is "The Needle and the Damage Done."

[@michaelmaltzer5426]

Yes… another one of his trademark songs

[@TippiGordon]

Somehow, I've never heard this performance. I'm so used to the studio version, with the vocal harmonies and the additional instrumentation, that this was an absolute revelation. Thank you for sharing it!

[@gregmason2434]

Thanks. Frequent watcher, seldom contribute. This is my favorite Neil Young song, and favorite album. I like his earlier CSNY stuff fine, and some later works as well... but this somehow touches deeper than the rest. Be well, I'll keep watching ;)

[@stevancohen1359]

I have been listening to this and other songs of the era for 50 years and I always thought Neil was referring to his Dad. Thank You Bethany

[@stevestrang2376]

And some don’t think Neil Young can sing. I’ve always loved the honesty of his voice and guitar playing.It’s great to hear someone that understands singing at your level appreciate Neil Young. Thank you.

[@russelljackman1413]

One of my most favorite songs written and performed by Neil Young. It really hits home now.

[@Wo1fLarsen]

Love that song. Makes me think of my old man. RIP. Appreciate your breakdown and the lovely smile.

[@pbasswil]

In centuries to come, this'll be one of 20th century songs to survive and still be listened to. Such a perfect gem.

[@WorldSpectator705]

I think this is just a magical guitar accompaniment, love it. And the vocal I think is maybe one of the best he's ever done. The voice so clear and pure. And so strong and expressive on the chorus. Excellent song and performance.

[@briangregory6303]

I've watched this performance many times over the years and it's just hauntingly good.

[@otakubancho6655]

There's one word to describe Neil Young,Icon!💘💘💘

[@julane-h2y]

It's great that both you and your listeners add so much information to each performance; it really helps everyone understand and appreciate where it's coming from. It almost looks like his posture is causing some hight notes to get a little pinched.

[@glenndespres5317]

First time listening to you and your channel. As a lifelong fan of Neil Young, I was just entranced with your meticulous critique and appreciation. You have a new subscriber.